Originally Posted by
AJA_
Welcome to FT.
VS is shorthand for Virgin Atlantic, all their flight numbers start VS, like BA is British Airways.
I think from what you've described you need to decide whether you are going to earn enough points from either BA or Virgin in order to redeem them for flights. Bear in mind Virgin is a long haul only airline although you can redeem virgin points via Flying Blue, the AF/KLM Frequent Flier scheme. I suspect that unless you have a lot of spending on credit cards you will find your accrual rate will drop. Previously I think you earned a lot of Avios from your business travel.
The advantage of BA is that you always have the option of their short haul network. I have used 2-4-1 vouchers on BA Club Europe flights rather than lose the voucher but you do tend to get better value using them for long haul.
I think also given the expanded family you will find spending 2-4-1 vouchers increasingly difficult, it's bad enough finding two seats let alone using 2 vouchers for 4 seats (which you can only do with the Premium Plus paid voucher). Also don't forget that under the new rules the 2-4-1 voucher from the free BA Amex is only redeemable in economy.
Also with BA you always have the option of converting to Nectar points and spending on food in Sainsburys. No good if you only shop in Tesco of course.
I would concentrate on the airline you foresee doing most of your travelling and treat any Avios or Virgin miles earned as a bonus.
understood on VS - thank you! VS long haul focus isnt an issue but agree BA diversity of locations prob gives it a + in case we ever want to travel to Europe in summer although we prefer to travel in winter to warm locations (Nov-Feb) so not as much of an issue. We actually only shop in Sainsburys atm so guess thats another + for BA. also we would only need 4 seats from May 2024 (when new born will turn 2) for what its worth / if it makes a difference.
were simple people too and would prefer to spend £ x on economy than e.g. £ x * 1.2 on business class
Originally Posted by
sunshinebob
As a side note I have a stash of VS miles and an upgrade voucher (to UC) and constantly struggle to find availability.
Barbados for example has two UC outbound flights available between now and mid January and nothing coming home.
Originally Posted by
Silver Fox
This. I have a stack of miles and using them pre-covid was tough, now it seems impossible. Perhaps it's the same with Avios but I haven't looked. I just seem to recall I had so many more options with Avios.
Originally Posted by
crazyarmadillo
For past sins, I used to fly virgin Atlantic a lot. Well at the time it was due to them flying direct to where I wanted to be.
But when I switched back to BA I was astounded howsmuch reward availability there was, versus virgin Atlantic , it was around 10 years ago was the last time I flew VS...... but,
But also now, nothing has changed, , avios availability wins all the time to VS miles, both VS and Delta, again on my routes.
We still have around 550 k virgin miles and are gradually using them domestic delta. Again subject to availability, which is also next to none with VS frequent flyer scheme..
One of BAs best selling point is the BA Exec Club and on my routes is ten times better than the competition.
this is very interesting. what i take from this is that my best choice is probably to upgrade to BA Prem Plus and get that 2nd voucher now but at least it will have a 2 year expiry date so likely Mar-24 (which suits us) and at least continue accruing avios points at 1.5x rate. the £250 fee and no joining bonus would suck but at least i get the 2 year flexibility on tickets.
anyone have any idea if Amex would give a card to my stay at home mum wife? she is currently a named person on my account but if she gets approved for Amex even with a £1.5-2k limit that would be enough for most of our monthly spend and would allow us to access the joining bonus...if they approve her i could also then subsequently cancel my PP and have both a voucher with 2 yr expiry and the opportunity to start new period